Analog manipulators
1975
Tektronix 4952 joystick
Tektronix 4952 Joystick was designed for the the 4010 series text-and-graphics computer terminals and similar 4050 series desktop computers based on storage-tube technology created by Tektronix to avoid the need for video RAM and still have high display resolutions of up to 1024×780. Such devices were produced by Tektronix in the late 1970s through the early 1980s, until appearance of cheaper UNIX workstations. Adding joystick to the line of compatible peripheral devices was announced in 1974, while all known user manuals are dated with the next year or later.
1978
DEC H3060 joystick
DEC H3060 Joystick was designed for the PDP-11 family of 16-bit minicomputers created by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in 1970s and sold for about 3 decades – the ones UNIX operating system was initially created for. Particularly, the joystick can be found most often as a part of the VSV11/VS11 video graphics system, which included a cursor control/multi-display sync module working with it, and also image memory and display processor modules. Graphical resolution in different configurations was either 512×512 or 512×256 pixels, 2 or 4 bit per pixel, with dynamic graphics capabilities present on lower and not present on top configurations.
1984
Robographics CAD-1 Joystick
This joystick was designed for use with the Robographics CAD-1, a computer-aided design/drawing system for the Apple II or Apple IIe computer. This CAD system could be used to create schematics, mechanical drawings, architectural models, and business presentations.
1984
Wheel type manipulator AGAT
Made in the USSR. An analog game controller used in early video game systems. It has a round rotating handle (wheel) and one or more buttons. The AGAT has an analog game port with two independent <<action>> buttons. It was inherited and its functionality is completely identical to that of Apple.
1984
Turbo-Stick
The Turbo-Stick joystick was introduced to the market in 1984 by California-based KA Design Group. Unlike gaming joysticks of the time, the Turbo-Stick joystick is precision and 3-axis. It acts as a drawing tool and a tool for controlling various devices. The third axis is controlled by a rotary control located on the body next to the joystick handle.
1984
TG Trackball
The TG Trackball was released in 1984 by TG Products for Apple II computers. According to the developer’s idea, this trackball, as a control device, could be used in any program designed to work with a joystick, including games.
1984
Robo Bit Stik I
This joystick was designed for use with the Robographics CAD-1, a computer-aided design/drawing system for the Apple II or Apple IIe computer. This CAD system could be used to create schematics, mechanical drawings, architectural models, and business presentations.
1985
SMC/Contriver Magic Mouse
The Magic Mouse was introduced in 1985. It was sold under that name in versions for the Commodore 64 and BBC Micro computers. A similar model for the Apple II computers, differing in the color of the buttons and the connection port, was sold under the “Graphic Mouse” name. Reviews usually indicate either SMC Supplies or Connexions as the manufacturer of the Magic Mouse. However, the Magic Mouse is the first mouse in the Contriver line of mice, despite the confusion over the name and manufacturer that is somewhat characteristic of this line. The Graphic Mouse packaging for the Apple II does not contain information about the manufacturer, and the Commodore 64 version of the mouse has the name “Ideal Magic Mouse” (or just Magic Mouse – the first word has different design and may be an emblem), a promotional insert of the Graphic Mouse, and finally it indicates “Contriver” as a manufacturer.